Modified Chelsea Market Plan Unanimously Approved by City Planning

DOWNTOWN — The City Planning Commission unanimously voted to approve a Jamestown Properties plan to expand Chelsea Market on Wednesday, praising the "refined and improved proposal."

The new plan took on several aspects that both Community Board 4 and Borough President Scott Stringer had pushed for. It significantly reduces the size of both the proposed Ninth and 10th avenue expansions, eliminates an originally planned hotel on Ninth Avenue and, most critically, includes a requirement to keep retail use on the famous main-floor concourse.

But the biggest change to the project was a requirement that the developer shift 30 percent of its proposed $17 million donation to the High Line Improvement Fund — roughly $5.1 million — to affordable housing projects in the neighborhood.

“As with all ULURP applications that come before the Council, Speaker Quinn looks forward to reviewing this proposal and ensuring that an open dialogue with all interested parties is maintained," said City Council spokesman Justin Goodman.

"At the conclusion of this thorough review, the Speaker will take a public position.”

After the vote, Jamestown Properties celebrated its victory, but was quick to note that its long fight for approval was not yet over.

"We are gratified by the City Planning Commission's thoughful and balanced approach in the consideration and approval of Jamestown's application to expand Chelsea Market," said Michael Phillips, Jamestown's Chief Operating Officer, in a statement.

"Jamestown looks forward to continuing its discussions with area stakeholders as the plan moves to the next and final phase of the approval process, which is consideration by the New York City Council."

Opponents were quick to voice their disapproval of the commission's vote, stating again that any expansion to the historic building is unacceptable. For nearly a year, several groups opposed to the expansion have argued that the project would add huge traffic and congestion to the neighborhood, drive up rents and hurt Chelsea's character.

Almost immediately after the vote, the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation and Save Chelsea, two main opponents, sent a letter to Quinn asking her to prevent the project.

"This is her district, her neighborhood," said Andrew Berman, GVSHP executive director.

"We're hopeful she'll listen to the overwhelming opposition to the project."

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